Winter is Here to Stay: The SISU Ski Fest Returns to Ironwood, MI at ABR Trails on January 10th, 2026!
The Ironwood area received nearly three feet of snow and we are ready for you! The annual SISU Ski Fest, a beloved tradition in Ironwood, Michigan, returns January 10th, 2026.SISU
THE COURSE
Starting on the magnificently groomed ABR TRAIL SYSTEM, the first of four distinct segments is the perfect warm up to your amazing 30k journey to the historic mining town of Ironwood Michigan. It winds its way through the woods with small hills and long straight sections, giving your lungs and legs a nice warmup for the challenge ahead. This section culminates on SULOS LOOP, a beautiful and flat horseshoe shaped trail where you can see other skiers doing their best to reel you in.
Section two is the HIGHLANDS, an Eric Anderson designed masterpiece of flow trails that will make you smile or curse his name. It feels a bit like a cross country ski roller coaster with its manageable climbs and exhilarating descents. Even beginner skiers report never having so much fun on skis!
The third section of the course begins after you enjoy the last exciting downhill out of the Highlands and soon ski within feet of the beautiful Montreal River. Within a few k’s you arrive at Norrie Park, built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Here you’ll be greeted by an enthusiastic aid station crew to help fuel you for the next section of trail.
Next, you begin a long straight railroad grade trail with views of other skiers in the distance and an opportunity shift into a steady cruise mode. A strong South wind would be nice!
The final section begins as you enter Miners Memorial Heritage Park. This beautiful rolling trail travels through an area once crisscrossed by iron mines!
As you leave Miners expect a couple late race climbs to challenge your legs and spirit. So get your “SISU on” and know you’ve actually made it to the edge of town.
With under 1k to go, you’ll see “HIAWATHA,” the world’s largest Indian statue towering above you on your left built in 1964. You’re also close enough to hear the finish line announcer’s voice over the loud speaker!
It’s all downhill from here as you glide down a big right hand ripper while challenging your shaky legs not to “fail me now”! Your final 100 meters is lined with cheering spectators as you literally ski through an alley way and make the final sprint to the finish line in downtown Ironwood.
SISU BLISS
And then it hits you—the joy, the accomplishment, the deep fatigue, and the unmistakable realization that SISU isn’t just a concept. It’s a power within you. A strength you carry for life. Come and experience the famous SISU SKI RACE!
Register for the Race
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Learn more about SISU Ski Fest
Greg Greene
Greg has spent more than 20 years in the elite wave at the Birkie, with a highest placement of 50th. Greg finished first in his age group at ages 50, 60, 65, and has a goal to do so again at age 70 this coming year. He has also competed in the Swedish Vasaloppet and has achieved several top 15 finishes in marathon races across the Midwest throughout his career. Greg’s love of skiing is infectious, and he is a true ambassador of the sport. Greg is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails (ABR) Foundation in Ironwood, Michigan.
